Former Sault nurse wants to return to profession, but says there are too many roadblocks
A former nurse in Sault Ste. Marie says she is willing to re-enter the profession to help with Ontario's nursing shortage. But she says regulatory roadblocks are holding up her application to have her license reinstated.
The Ontario government recently announced a plan to deploy internationally educated nurses to hospitals dealing with staffing shortages. But Natalie Gauthier said she's been trying for the past year to have her nursing license – which expired less than five years ago – reinstated.
However, Gauthier said the process outlined by the Ontario College of Nurses of Ontario makes that difficult. She'd like to see the reinstatement process simplified.
"A written test to know that we actually have the knowledge still within our skillset (and) to know what area of practice you want to help out in," said Gauthier, who also takes issue with a requirement that she complete 140 hours of unpaid training.
"Job shadowing would be great -- as long as the nurse would be paid," said Gauthier. "Because they are putting in the work. We don't want to exploit those nurses, as well."
The College of Nurses of Ontario declined an interview request from CTV News. In a written statement, the college had this to say:
"This regulatory function is our commitment to the public that anyone who identifies themselves as a nurse in Ontario has the knowledge, skill and judgment needed to provide safe and ethical nursing care."
The college said all applicants – domestic and international – must demonstrate their credentials before obtaining nursing certification.
Gauthier, meantime, said she's still waiting for word on her application for reinstatement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.